Sitting in front of Faro and in front of Olhão (two major cities in the Algarve), the islands of Deserta and Culatra have been on the news since 2008 when José Sócrates – former Portuguese prime minister – signed the law that passed on to Polis Litoral Ria Formosa the management of those islands.

Polis and the islands inhabitants have been fighting in court for the right to demolish (or not to) the four small villages in the islands: the “Ilha de Faro” community, the Farol community, the Hangares community and Culatra’s community stand against a massive makeover plan sought out by Polis to give back the islands to nature – at least this is what Polis claims will happen once the Portuguese courts allow them to proceed as planned. Nonetheless, residents believe Polis has a hidden agenda; Culatra’s six miles of almost virgin beaches are tempting enough for luxury resorts to flourish all around the island and the inhabitants believe this is what will happen once Polis thrashes their houses.

A dramatic fight opposing David and Goliath for the right to live on the islands is unfolding in the Algarve.